Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2013
Tricuspid annular geometry: a three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic study.
To demonstrate the clinical feasibility of accurately measuring tricuspid annular area by 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and to assess the geometric differences based on the presence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Also, the shape of the tricuspid annulus was compared with previous descriptions in the literature. ⋯ Three-dimensional TEE can be used to measure the tricuspid annular area in a clinically feasible fashion, with an eccentric dilation seen in patients with TR. The tricuspid annulus shape is complex, with annular high and low points, and annular area calculation based on linear measurements significantly overestimates 3D planimetered area.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2013
Is real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography a feasible approach to detect coronary ostium during transapical aortic valve implantation?
Transapical aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may lead to obstruction of coronary arteries during deployment. To prevent this, it is essential to determine the distance of the coronary ostium to the aortic annulus prior to valve placement. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) commonly is used to determine these measurements, but even marginal exposure to contrast agents can result in acute kidney injury in this high-risk group of multi-morbid patients. The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D TEE) as the first-choice technique for noninvasive evaluation of the coronary ostium during TAVI. ⋯ The observations showed that RT 3D TEE reliably can measure the coronary ostium distance from the aortic annulus. It is feasible and an alternative method for evaluating these measurements and thereby preventing contrast exposure during MDCT, which may jeopardize the safety of patients with pre-existing renal disease.
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There has been considerable recent progress liver transplantation (LTX). The postreperfusion syndrome has clearly defined and typically responds to vasopressin and/or methylene blue when refractory to catecholamine therapy. Diastolic dysfunction and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are prevalent and important in LTX recipients. ⋯ Careful titration of insulin therapy may improve freedom from severe hyperglycemia to decrease morbidity. Since the organization of dedicated anesthesia care teams for LTX improves perioperative outcome, this aspect of perioperative care is receiving systematic attention to optimize safety and quality. The specialty of LTX is likely to continue to flourish even more, given these pervasive advances.